12 Things You're Not Replacing Often Enough (& the Icky Consequences of Slacking)

I was shocked when a friend told me she replaces her pillows once a year. Pillows? Once a year?! Apparently, that’s what experts advise. Well, the truth is, I’ve had most of my pillows for more like five or ten years. Whoops. I decided something had to be done. On my way to Target in search of a whole new supply, I started thinking: What else in my house is beyond its expiration date?

Turns out, there are quite a few household items to replace that grow bacteria or lose effectiveness at specific points in their lives. So I did my research, and now I’ve got a pretty extensive list. From toothbrushes to tires, check out what household items to replace and when.

More Cleaning & Organizing Tips:

15 Household Items to Replace, and When

Mascara

How often you should replace it: The experts at Everyday Health suggest replacing mascara every two to three months.

Why it's important: Because bacteria can grow in those little mascara tubes and brushes. Do your best to keep the wand clean, and maybe you can extend your mascara's life.

What can happen if you don't: You could contract a staph infection which can cause large blisters and swelling around...and in...your eye.

Photo: Getty
Mattress

How often you should replace it: According to Consumer Reports, your mattress can last up to ten years if cared for properly. That means, don’t let your kids jump on the bed, rotate your mattress from time to time, and get a bed frame with center support.

Why it's important: On average, we spend 33% of our entire lives sleeping. With that much time spent in one place, you should be constantly asking yourself: Are you sleeping badly? Are you in pain when you wake up? If the answer is yes, it may be time for an upgrade.

What can happen if you don't: Sleeping on a mattress that's too firm or too soft for your personal needs can lead to chronic low back pain.

Photo: Getty
Pillows

How often you should replace them: The Daily Mail says pillows should be changed every 6 months.

Why it's important: Pillows are more than just comforting, they support your head, neck, shoulders, hips, and spine. Make sure yours is the right height and firmness for your body, and Consumer Reports suggests washing your pillow twice a year.

What can happen if you don't: Over time, dead skin, dirt, oil, and mites can start to build up on your pillow, causing acne or allergies.

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Moisturizer

How often you should replace it: Amy Wechsler, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn reports to Allure magazine that moisturizing creams have a shelf-life of one year.

Why it's important: Your moisturizer probably has several delicate active ingredients, and after a while they can stop working. Take a look and a sniff—if your fave moisturizer has turned yellowish or developed an odor, it’s time to toss.

What can happen if you don't: Moisturizers (especially those packaged in a jar rather than pump) can develop bacteria that will harm the product's ingredients.

Photo: Getty
Toothbrush

How often you should replace it: Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, according to the American Dental Association.

Why it's important: Those bristly little suckers can harbor a lot of bacteria, so you noticed your toothbrush getting frayed or bent sooner (biting it, perhaps?), you should replace it even sooner.

What can happen if you don't: More than just harboring a bit of bacteria, your toothbrush may be have up to 10 million germs and tiny microorganisms within those bristles, says Everyday Health.

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Bra

How often you should replace it: According to the New York Post, your bra should be replaced as regularly as every 9-12 months (depending on how often you wear it).

Why it's important: The elastic fibers in your bra start to wear down over time. But wait! Don't go throwing all your bras out, just have enough bras (and hand wash them, if possible) so that you can rotate between them and make each one last longer.

What can happen if you don't: Unsupported boobs can lead to back pain and saggy breasts.

Photo: Getty
Lipstick

How often you should replace it: Dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. in New York City told Women's Health that lipstick should get tossed after 1 1/2 years.

Why it's important: Expired lipstick can can build up a lot of bacteria and dry out. Plus, IMO lipstick starts to smell funky after a while, and nobody wants to kiss those lips.

What can happen if you don't: All that bacteria could cause meningitis.

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Carbon Monoxide Detector

How often you should replace it: Most carbon monoxide detectors last for five to seven years, says Consumer Reports.

Why it's important: CO2 detectors start to beep as they’re nearing the end of their life cycle (different to the low-battery beeping noise), so keep an ear perked for warning sounds.

What can happen if you don't: When carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream it can cause brain damage or even death.

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Smoke Alarm

How often you should replace it: Consumer Reports says that smoke alarms begin to lose sensitivity after about ten years.

Why it's important: It is important to keep your smoke alarm up-to-date, and even if yours is still technically working at the 10 year mark, it should be replaced with a newer model.

What can happen if you don't: Failing to have an up-to-date, functioning smoke alarm could lead to house fires and death.

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Sponges

How often you should replace them: Either microwave it daily to kill bacteria, or skip sponges completely, opting instead for a thin washcloth that will dry quickly and can be replaced ever few days, according to Time magazine.

Why it's important: Think about how often you use your sponge and what you do with it? That's a lot of bacteria building up!

What can happen if you don't: You could become infected with e. coli or salmonella.

Photo: Getty
Running Shoes

How often you should replace them: The experts at Runner's World agree that running shoes need replacing roughly after 300 to 500 miles.

Why it's important: If you're a runner, you want to make sure your feet (and subsequently your body) are being properly cared for. Basically, if you feel like your shoes aren’t doing their job, they probably aren’t.

What can happen if you don't: Running shoes that have lost their support can lead to major injuries.

Photo: Getty
Car Tires

How often you should replace them: Your tires usually need to be replaced after 25,000 to 50,000 miles, reports Kelley Blue Book, though it all comes down to your car, your driving style, and how often you use your car.

Why it's important: Over time, the tread of your tires can begin to wear down and lose effectiveness.

What can happen if you don't: Poorly maintained tires can lead to flat tires and/or accidents.

Photo: Getty